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In the early ?70s, Boston-area resident Mike Farny dreamed of creating affordable outdoor recreational activities for his community to enjoy. In May of 1973, Mike set up shop in the MDC Norumbega Police Substation of Newton/Auburndale and began realizing his dream. The location?directly next to the historic Totem Pole Ballroom?perfectly enabled the environmentally friendly practice of canoeing and kayaking. Mike's vision blossomed over the years to include four other locations, each offering rentals, tours, and instruction.
Today, on-staff guides lead tours of the Charles River and Boston Harbor to educate participants in ecosystem conservation, view the skyline and sunset, or explore historic structures. Select trips also include lunch to fuel participants as they navigate difficult waterways and jump through flaming hoops. To prepare customers entering the water for the first time, instructors coach riders of all levels in private or group lessons at the paddling school, which draws on more than 30 years of instructional tradition. Staffers can also equip boaters in the shop?where P&H and Bor?al kayaks hang alongside Tahoe paddleboards and Wenonah canoes, dreaming of one day being the inspiration for a traditional sea chantey. Crew members help clients choose their ride and accessories from these selections and others through free daily demonstrations.

Nubar radiates an assured air that comes from the stewardship of three generations of the Guleserian family. Their contemporary approach to classic cuisine manifests itself in seasonal dishes that have included roasted local haddock with saffron and duck breast with cherries and bok choy. Chefs use ingredients from local farms, fisheries, and bakeries to enhance their creations and cut down on the food's jet lag. Nubar's rooftop garden also enriches warm-weather fare with fresh-picked herbs and vegetables.
Set within the confines of the auspicious Sheraton Commander Hotel, Nubar wraps its guests in sleek lines and soothing hues of brown. Behind a bar made entirely of butter-yellow honey onyx, bartenders shake and stir artisanal spirits into classic or modern cocktails. With a cocktail, local beer, or wine glass in hand, patrons can recline on leather ottomans and admire the linear fireplace that separates the lounge from the dining room. Soft light cascades from wide cylindrical lamps and minimalist candelabras that stretch up the wall.

There are more black belts in Mass BJJ's Acton and Arlington studios than even the biggest of Johnny Cash's walk-in closets. Though in this case, they're tied around the waists of expert martial arts trainers, who teach the finer points of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to both kids and adults. This particular martial art form focuses on getting an opponent to the ground, where size doesn't matter and proper fighting technique reigns supreme.
While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu inspired Mass BJJ's name, it isn't the only discipline taught atop their red padded floors. In fact, the instructors
encourage students to mix different classes to get a well-rounded martial arts education. To that end, they lead kick-boxing, MMA, and general strength-conditioning classes.

In 1973, Mike Farny had a vision: to bring affordable outdoor recreation to the residents of metropolitan Boston. Opening the Charles River Canoe Service that year, Farny became an instrumental voice in efforts to clean up the river, encouraging people to canoe, kayak, and sweep up the dirt on the riverbanks. The next year, he persuaded the Leo J. Martin Golf Course to transform its greens and fairways into a sprawling landscape for cross-country skiing alongside the Charles, allowing the public to enjoy recreation on the river even when its waters had frozen. A 15-kilometer system of trails makes use of natural snowfall and offers skiers a chance to change up their routes. Even when flakes refuse to fall, a state-of-the-art artificial-snow system shoots powder over a 2.5-kilometer loop, which rests beneath lights to allow night skiing before guests return to the cozy snack shop for hot cocoa and a bite to eat.

Arthur Murray has been a leading name in franchise dance since 1912, when the entrepreneur began selling mail-order dance lessons. Expanding his reach, he enlisted teachers to spread his signature dance lessons on first-class steamships and skyrocketed to fame in the '30s after introducing the public to such dances as the Lambeth Walk and The Big Apple. By the 1950s, Arthur and his wife, Kathryn, were hosting their own highly popular TV show on ABC, The Arthur Murray Dance Party, which ran for 12 years. Today, Arthur Murray's team prepares students for rug cutting at special events and weekend nightclub jaunts. Throughout lessons, instructors teach the foundations of two to four dances from a long list of styles that range from Latin to country-western, helping students to learn basic step patterns, timing, and the ability to lead or follow. At the Cambridge location, elegant chandeliers overlook a hardwood floor in a spacious environment well-suited to Murray's legacy.

Baron Baptiste's signature brand of yoga has transformed lives. It has optimized the performance of the Philadelphia Eagles and empowered impoverished youth in Nairobi. It has lifted the spirits of war veterans and counseled gang members in Los Angeles. On a day-to-day basis, it has improved the physical health and mental acuity of Bostonians, who can practice the discipline under the tutelage of Baron Baptiste himself.
At his eponymous studios in Brookline and Cambridge, Baptiste joins a team of instructors who promulgate his teachings through classes, teacher-training programs, and workshops. Classes take place in 90-degree studios that boost detoxification and flexibility. In addition to fitness-centric classes, the studio offers guided meditation classes that establish the focus and clarity of mind required to read the entire Gutenberg Bible while riding a rollercoaster.

Groupon Guide

The Red Sox have emerged as World Series champions three times in less than ten years, and the fans of Red Sox Nation simply couldn’t be happier. To celebrate, diehard locals and history-buff tourists have taken to scheduling a behind-the-scenes tour of legendary Fenway Park, which challenges Chicago’s Wrigley Field for the title of America's most beloved baseball stadium.
Run directly by the Boston Red Sox organization, these tours lead off with entertaining and well-informed guides. The one-hour walking experience starts off at the team store across from the park, where tourists can gobble up hats and souvenirs, or simply snap a few photos of the grand exterior. The public expedition then takes guests through various sections of the park, including unique seating locations like the famed left field Green Monster and the exclusive Press Box, where longtime announcers Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo sit during every home game broadcast.
Amiable tour guides also provide interesting stories about some of the most important players in Red Sox history, including Ted Williams, Johnny Pesky, Carl Yastrzemski and Carlton Fisk, not to mention the always-gregarious David Ortiz, known throughout the league as Big Papi. They also discuss the beginning history of baseball, who some of the biggest names in Red Sox history are and how the storied Green Monster wall in left field came to be.
On game days, select tours arrive three hours before first pitch to catch a glimpse of batting practice, tour the Green Monster some more or meet one of the team’s mascots, Wally the Green Monster, who can otherwise be spotted throughout the stadium during game days. Premium Sunday tours involve on-field access and a deeper lesson on Fenway’s history, and private group packages are available year-round, which might even involve hitting a ball or two yourself from the batting cage.

This week’s lineup begins and ends with nostalgia, from a classic summer fair to a '90s-flashback cruise. In between, you can take in live outdoor theater, learn to line dance, and sample coffee-infused cocktails. Don’t forget to check Groupon first for more cool things to do in Boston.
The Bolton Fair
Lancaster | Saturday, August 9–Sunday, August 10
Although the 132-year-old event advertises itself as “an old-fashioned agricultural fair,” it certainly embraces modernity. Case in point: the larger-than-life monster trucks and local rock bands. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of classic carnival rides, adorable animals, and oxen pulls to satisfy traditionalists. (318 Seven Bridge Rd., Lancaster; $10; buy tickets here)
Shakespeare on the Common: Twelfth Night
Downtown | Sunday, August 10, 7 p.m.
Don’t miss the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s last performance of Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s merry comedy that centers on love, shipwrecks, and cross-dressing. (Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common; free)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Hoedown at the Hall
Financial District | Sunday, August 10, noon
Break out the cowboy boots and spurs for Sunday’s kid-friendly hoedown at Faneuil Hall. Attendees can play corn hole, learn to line dance, listen to live country music, or marvel at the whip tricks of Jack the Whipper. (4 S. Market St.; free)
SoonSpoon Caffeinated Cocktails Pop-Up
Seaport District | Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Who says cocktails make you sleepy? Audubon’s Tyler Wang joins forces with Josh Gerber and Hannah Epstein of 1369 Coffee House to shake up three caffeinated cocktails that bring out the vibrant, earthy flavors of various javas. (WeWork Fort Point, 51 Melcher St.; $30; buy tickets here)
Saved by the Boat 2014
Financial District | Friday, August 15, 8 p.m.
Social Boston Sports is bringing back big hair, scrunchies, and Hammer pants for a '90s-themed cruise. The all-night event begins with an optional karaoke pre-party at Hong Kong Boston (65 Chatham St.) and ends with an after party at Howl at the Moon (184 High St.). The cruise itself features a cash bar and a dance floor fueled by '90s hits. (Cruise departs from Rowes Wharf; $30; buy tickets here)
Bolton Fair image from Facebook; Shakespeare on the Common image from Madeleine Ball (Flickr)

This week’s event lineup caters to the body, mind, and soul. Treat your corporeal form to tastings of beer, wine, and gourmet food, your brain to a comedic discussion with a rapping scientist, and your inner essence to a focused doodling session and a romp with your pup at Somerville’s Riverfront Park. And as always, check Groupon for more great things to do in Boston.
Red, White, & Brew Summerfest
South End | Saturday, August 2, noon to 10 p.m.
Raise your glass at an interactive wine- and beer-tasting event that showcases beverages from across the United States. In between sips, attendees can participate in a silent auction benefiting Project Smile and the Ellie Fund. (Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St.; $59, but you can save $24 with this Groupon)
Petpalooza
Somerville | Saturday, August 2–Sunday, August 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Organized by som|dog, the second annual pooch fest allows dog owners and their leashed friends to mingle and try their paws at dog fitness or dock diving. Of-age humans can also sample beer from Slumbrew. (Riverfront Park, 300 Grand Union Blvd., Somerville; free)
Neighborhood Cooking Tour of the Parkway
Roslindale | Monday, August 4, 6:15 p.m.–8 p.m.
The Chefs’ Table Series TV show kicks off its celebration of the top Parkway restaurants with a special cooking demonstration and lavish meal from Manuel Sifnugel, chef-owner of Masona Grill. (Sons of Italy Hall, 30 Birch St.; $25; contact Carol at 617-323-0670)
You’re the Expert Live Taping
Cambridge | Tuesday, August 5, 7 p.m.
Laughs and deep questions coincide in the You’re the Expert radio show and podcast, where three comedians grill a leader in an advanced scientific field. This live taping showcases the wisdom of Jonathan Garlick, a top stem-cell researcher who is also a rapper. (Oberon Theater, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge; $15; buy tickets here)
Zentangle Drawing Class
Arlington | Thursday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m
Zentangle drawings take the random energy of doodling and channel it into stunning patterned images. Certified Zentangle teacher Patricia Carney leads classes for kids, teens, and adults, unleashing inner creativity during the relaxing sessions. (Artbeat, 212A Massachusetts Ave., Arlington; $25+; call 781-646-2200 to reserve a seat)
You're the Expert photo courtesy of the radio show; Zentangle photo from Persephone Pomegranate (Flickr)